6-Day Southern Morocco Desert Adventure: Marrakech to Sahara Explorer

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

• High Atlas Mountains Adventure – Cross the dramatic Tizi N’Tichka Pass at 2,260 meters, witnessing breathtaking panoramas and traditional Berber villages clinging to mountainsides
• UNESCO Heritage Experience – Explore the stunning Kasbah of Aït Benhaddou, a 17th-century fortress city and filming location for numerous Hollywood blockbusters
• Ouarzazate Film Industry Discovery – Tour the legendary Atlas Film Studios, Africa’s largest film studio, where countless international productions have been filmed
• Todra Gorges Expedition – Walk through towering limestone canyons reaching heights of 300 meters, offering spectacular photo opportunities and hiking experiences
• Erg Chebbi Desert Journey – Trek by camel across Morocco’s highest dunes, reaching up to 150 meters, to watch an unforgettable Saharan sunset
• Luxury Desert Camping – Experience a night in a premium Berber camp with traditional entertainment and stargazing in the clear desert sky
• Nomadic Culture Immersion – Visit authentic Berber families in their desert homes, learning about their traditional way of life
• Ancient Trading Routes – Explore historic market towns like Rissani, once the meeting point of ancient trans-Saharan trade caravans
• Rose Valley Discovery – Visit Kelaat M’gouna, famous for its rose distilleries and annual Rose Festival in May
• Draa Valley Exploration – Journey through Morocco’s longest river valley, dotted with ancient kasbahs and endless palm groves

DETAILED ITINERARY:

Day 1: Marrakech → High Atlas Mountains → Telouet → Aït Benhaddou → Ouarzazate

Journey Duration: 7-8 hours | Distance: 200 km

Begin your adventure departing Marrakech in the morning, ascending into the dramatic High Atlas Mountains. The road winds through traditional Berber villages of Ait Ourir and Touama, offering stunning views of terraced mountainsides and traditional mud-brick houses. Your journey takes you through the Tizi N’Tichka Pass, Morocco’s highest driveable mountain pass at 2,260 meters.

The first major stop is the historical Telouet Kasbah, once home to the powerful Glaoui family who controlled the vital trade routes through the mountains. Though partially ruined, the interior features stunning examples of Moroccan craftsmanship with intricate zellij tilework and carved cedar ceilings.

Continue to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Aït Benhaddou, an impressive ksar (fortified village) that has stood for centuries. Your guide will lead you through the narrow streets of this ancient fortress, explaining its historical significance and architectural features. This remarkable site has served as a backdrop for numerous films, including “Gladiator” and “Game of Thrones.”

The day concludes in Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Morocco.” Visit the Atlas Film Studios, where productions like “The Mummy” and “Kingdom of Heaven” were filmed. Explore the magnificent Taourirt Kasbah, once a residence of the Glaoui dynasty. Overnight in a comfortable hotel in Ouarzazate, where you’ll enjoy dinner featuring traditional Moroccan cuisine.

Day 2: Ouarzazate → Skoura Oasis → Valley of Roses → Dades Gorges

Journey Duration: 4-5 hours | Distance: 160 km

After breakfast, depart for the lush Skoura Oasis, home to dozens of hidden kasbahs nestled among palm groves. Visit the well-preserved Kasbah Amridil, a 17th-century fortress reflecting traditional Saharan architecture. Continue through the Valley of Roses toward Kelaat M’Gouna, famed for its fragrant Damascus roses and annual Rose Festival (April–May). Learn how rose petals are distilled into precious rosewater and essential oils.

Proceed along the “Route of a Thousand Kasbahs” to the Dades Gorges. Marvel at the dramatic red cliffs and unusual rock formations known as “Monkey Fingers.” Enjoy lunch with panoramic views before checking into your guesthouse overlooking the valley. Free time in the afternoon allows for photography or short hikes. Dinner and overnight in the Dades Valley.

Day 3: Dades Gorges → Todra Gorges → Erfoud → Merzouga

Journey Duration: 5-6 hours | Distance: 220 km

Depart early for the Todra Gorges, where sheer limestone walls rise 300 meters above a tranquil riverbed—ideal for walking and photography. After lunch in the canyon’s shade, continue south through arid plains dotted with fossil workshops. Pass through Erfoud, known as Morocco’s “Gateway to the Sahara,” before arriving in Merzouga.

In the late afternoon, mount your camel for a 1.5-hour trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes—the highest in Morocco, reaching 150 meters. Watch the sun set over the golden sands before arriving at your luxury desert camp. Enjoy a traditional Berber dinner under the stars, followed by live Gnawa music and storytelling around the campfire. Overnight in a well-appointed tent with proper beds and private facilities.

Day 4: Merzouga → Khamlia → Rissani → Alnif → N’Kob → Agdz

Journey Duration: 6-7 hours | Distance: 290 km

Wake early to witness a breathtaking Saharan sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, visit Khamlia village for a soulful Gnawa music performance rooted in sub-Saharan spiritual traditions. Then explore Rissani’s lively souk—one of southern Morocco’s largest—and sample “Berber pizza” (msemen).

Continue through the desert towns of Alnif and N’Kob, known for their traditional Berber textiles and earthen architecture. In the afternoon, enter the Draa Valley—Morocco’s longest river valley—lined with ancient kasbahs and endless palm groves. Arrive in Agdz by evening and check into a restored kasbah offering panoramic views of the oasis. Dinner and overnight in Agdz.

Day 5: Agdz → Draa Valley → Ouarzazate → High Atlas Mountains → Marrakech

Journey Duration: 6-7 hours | Distance: 280 km

Enjoy a final morning stroll through the palm groves of Agdz before retracing your route north. Stop for photos in the Draa Valley and revisit Ouarzazate for a quick break. Begin the ascent back through the High Atlas via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, enjoying sweeping views of Berber villages and snow-capped peaks (in winter).

Arrive in Marrakech by late afternoon. Check into your riad in the medina and enjoy a farewell dinner at your leisure—perhaps sampling tagine or fresh mint tea in Jemaa el-Fna square. Overnight in Marrakech.

Day 6: Marrakech Departure
Journey Duration: Varies | Distance: Hotel to airport

After breakfast, enjoy free time for last-minute shopping, a visit to the Majorelle Garden, or relaxation at your riad. Depending on your flight schedule, your driver will transfer you to Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK), marking the end of your unforgettable 6-day Southern Morocco Desert Adventure.